Spiritual pilgrimage and blessing
to Elevation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephrem the New the Monastery
in Mono, Canada
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, by the grace and help of God, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephrem the New Monastery in Mono, Canada, put on festive attire, occasioned by a particularly significant event for the spiritual life of Romanian believers in Canada and abroad.
In an atmosphere of chosen spiritual joy in the new summer altar, built in June 2023 and completed in April 2025, the Matins service was celebrated, followed by the Holy and Divine Liturgy. This was officiated by Fr. Petre Busuioc, administrative vicar of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, surrounded by a group of priests and deacons, for the spiritual strengthening and comfort of all those present.
With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, in the canopy of the Joy of Saints, the holy relics of some great saints of Orthodoxy were brought for veneration: St. Nektarios of Aegina, St.Ephrem the New, St. Cosmas and Damian. This blessing was received with great joy and faith by the pilgrims who came from various corners of Canada – Toronto, London, Kingston, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal – but also from abroad.
The liturgical responses were offered by the protopsalt Andrei-Cătălin Ghebaru, member of the Byzantine group “Thronos” of the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest, together with Mrs. Mădălina Enache, from the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint-Hubert.
At the end of the Holy Liturgy, Fr. Petre Busuioc read the spiritual message transmitted by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian on the occasion of the feast:
“The Feast of St. Ephrem is for all of us an opportunity to remember the power of faith, the strength with which the saints faced trials and their boundless love for God and their neighbor. The life of St. Ephrem, marked by courage, devotion and unwavering faith, illuminates our path and urges us to follow his example of holiness. The miracles performed through his intercession are testimonies of the living presence of God in our midst and strengthen our hope in his unceasing help.
Monastic life is a ceaseless spiritual struggle, a total dedication to the service of God and an uninterrupted prayer for the entire world. On this special day, we wish to share our encouragement and blessing with you for the sacrifice and the struggles you make being with our monastery, for the love and humility with which you dedicate yourself to the Lord. May St. Ephrem the New be your tireless protector, inspire you and strengthen you in every step you take in your personal life.”
Fr. Petre Busuioc continued by thanking all the clergy and faithful for their participation and for the common prayer and urged that this monastery become a place of spiritual rest for all those who desire strengthening in faith and communion with God.
Mr. Alin-Gabriel Constantin, Consul of Romania in Canada, was also present at this special event, thus marking the importance of the connection between the Romanian community in the diaspora and Romanian spiritual and cultural values.
The event ended in an atmosphere of brotherly communion, through an agape prepared with love and care by the faithful close to the monastery, under the careful guidance of Hegumen Polycarp.
Glory to God for everything! May such moments bring everyone light in the soul, strengthening in faith and the desire to always live in the presence and love of Christ.
